Spain and Mauritania Discuss Expanding Temporary Worker Migration Program

Spain and Mauritania are exploring the expansion of a temporary worker program that facilitates circular migration. This initiative allows Mauritanian nationals to work in Spain for specific periods, contributing to both countries' labor needs and migration management efforts.

The program is a component of Spain's Collective Management of Origin Hiring (GECCO) initiative. During the 2026 agricultural season, 50 Mauritanian workers participated in Spain's farming campaigns. Based on the positive outcomes observed, both nations are now considering consolidating and broadening the program for future agricultural seasons.

This cooperation aligns with broader efforts by Spain and Mauritania to address irregular migration flows from sub-Saharan Africa towards Europe, particularly the Canary Islands. The discussion took place during a visit to Mauritania by Santiago Yerga, Spain's Director General of Migration Management, who led a delegation from the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migrations.

Spain and Mauritania signed a memorandum of understanding on circular migration in August 2024. As part of this partnership, Spain has committed €312 million to a €522 million program aimed at supporting migration management and economic development in Mauritania, with the European Union funding the remaining €210 million. The Spanish delegation also met with Mauritanian officials to conduct an initial assessment of the circular migration program's results.

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In view of the results obtained, the prospects for consolidation and expansion of the program for future campaigns were discussed.